Goblet drums are played with a much lighter touch and quite
different strokes (sometimes including rolls or quick rhythms
articulated with the fingertips) than hand drums such as the djembe, found in Africa.

There are two main types of goblet drums. The Egyptian style has
rounded edges around the head, whereas the Turkish style exposes the
edge of the head. The exposed edge allows closer access to the head so
finger-snapping techniques can be done, but the hard edge discourages
the rapid rolls possible with the Egyptian style.

The goblet drum may be played while held under one arm or by placing
it between the knees while seated. It produces a resonant, low-sustain
sound while played lightly with the fingertips and palm. Some players
move their fists in and out of the bell to alter the tone. There are a
variety of rhythms that form the basis of the folkloric and modern music and dance styles of the Middle East.

There are two main sounds produced by the goblet drum. The first is
called the 'doum'. It is the deeper bass sound produced by striking the
head near the center with the length of the fingers and palm. The
second is called the 'tek' and is the higher-pitched sound produced by
hitting near the edge of the head with the fingertips. A 'tek' struck
with the secondary hand is also known as a 'ka'. Additionally, there
are more complex techniques including snaps, slaps, pops and rolls that
are used to ornament the basic rhythm. Hand clapping and hitting the
sides of the drum can be used in addition to drumhead sounds.

Another technique commonly used in Bulgaria,
Turkey, and Egypt, and is to tap with the fingers of one hand and with
a thin stick in the other. In Turkey the stick is called the çubuk,
which means wand, or stick. The Gypsies of most of the countries
associated with the goblet drum use this technique.

Mısırlı Ahmet - Turkish Darbuka player (studied in Egypt and fused Turkish and Arabic technique); invented and popularized modern "split-finger" playing technique. In Turkish, Mısırlı means "the Egyptian". In Egypt he is called "Ahmet the Turk".

Pejman Haddadi - L.A. Based Persian Tombak player; the best currently living in the United States.

Daveed Korup - Darbuka player and designer, performing throughout the world

Buddy Sarkissian - Armenian-American dumbeg player, founder of the Kef Time Band

Said El Artist
- Alexandrian- born Egyptian Tabla/Darbuka star of the Arabic world
since the 1970s; his brightly ornamented playing has greatly influenced
Egyptian style and helped to elevate the public reception of
traditional percussion from folk to high art.

Seido Salifoski
- Macedonian Roma darabuka virtuoso, based in New York, experienced in
Balkan, Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern Percussion with flare of
jazz. Also founder of Romski Boji.